Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steph - October 5 - 2:00 pm

  Ive become the local Prius ambassador because Im so happy to tell EVERYONE about my fantastic experience. And people WILL ask you. The styling, the roominess, the storage, the MILEAGE; its all good.

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  I love it!! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I dont think I could have gotten any more vehicle for the money. I have had NO problems. The only negative would be the comfort of the front seat. I have the split bench seat. It is not very comfortable for my lower back.

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  1998 Camry LE low mileage - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Hymie - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Trouble free, reliable and a pleasure to drive

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  2003 COROLLA LE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By tato368 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this car is very nice car......just that the LE should come standard wit sunroof and leather and navi system

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  Great improvements in the LC - 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 3rd landcruiser - October 5 - 4:33 am

  This is my third Land Cruiser and replaces a 2005. It is an excellent upgrade from the previous version. New powertrain and updated features are excellent, yet it remains quiet and smooth - in its own class among large SUVs. I hesitated some because I liked my 2005 so much, but with about 1000 miles - no regrets in making the switch.

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  Got one of the first ones - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By buckyfastdraw - October 3 - 9:30 pm

  I was leery about buying a first year production truck because usually all of the design bugs arent worked out yet. I have had this unit for more than 2 months now and I have not found a single thing lacking. What a truck! Okay, I havent put it to enough driving to get my final opinion, but I would stack this truck up with anything else in its class.

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  sweet - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Bonnie - October 3 - 3:20 pm

  This is a sweet driving little car. I love the way it handles and the way it sips gas. Its a winner for everyone!

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  Love this Truck!! - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dainon - October 3 - 10:52 am

  Ivetaken it offroad,not only for woodcutting and work, but on some pretty gnarly 4wd trails. Its bone stock and unstoppable. You he only down side is now I spend most of my time looking at all the cool stuff I can buy for it!

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  Best car for first time driver - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Nuno - October 3 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car for my wife for her to learn how to drive, not only was she comfortable, it was fun to drive. We even took it from NY to North Carolina and Virginia Beach. We made a great trip, Never had any problem with it. and Gas consumption, on that trip was over 36 mpg and in city is around 32-35. Very easy to park, and to find park for. This car was a great experience for us.

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  Wonderful to drive! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ROCCAFORTE - October 3 - 1:26 am

  Bought car for wife. She could not drive in Houston traffic. The car is still in "like new condition". The car drives like riding on a cloud with warm and cool front seats tempture controls, power tilt/slide glass moonroof.